Emergency lighting fixture



March 22, 1960 N, H SCHWENKLER 2,929,919

EMERGENCY LIGHTING FIXTURE FiledvFeb. 28, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

March 22, 1960 N. H. scHwENKLER 2,929,919

EMERGENCY LIGHTING FIXTURE I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28. 1957 United States Patent 2,929,919 EMERGENCY LIGHTING FIXTURE Norbert H. Schwenkler, Chicago, lll., assigner to Patent License Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of illinois i The present invention relates generally to a new and improved lighting fixture adapted for operation in response to the transmission of a predetermined impact force thereto. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a new and improved impact operated emergency lighting fixture particularly adapted for use in aircraft, the lighting fixture including an impact operated switch and means for operating the same capable of energizing a self-contained circuit including a light source, the impact switch being operated by a weighted lever arm sensitive to a predetermined impact force transmitted to the fixture. I

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved form of emergency lighting fixture particularly adapted for mounting in aircraft, the fixture including a self-contained light source operating circuit including its own independent power source and an impact force operated switch which functions to energize the circuit upon the transmission of specified force of impact to the fixture.

A fuither object is to provide a new and improved form of emergency lighting fixture including a self-contained light source operating circuit having a battery power source forming a part thereof, the operation of the circuit being controlled by an inertia switch including a pivoted and weighted lever swingable about its pivot point in the manner of a pendulum in response to the action of an impact force of predetermined magnitude on the xture, the circuit further including outwardly accessible means for de-energizing the circuit following energization of the same by impact forces.

Another object is to provide a new and improved form of emergency lighting fixture particularly adapted for use in aircraft, the fixture including a cover assembly having mounted on the inner surface thereof the total electrical and mechanical operating elements of the fixture which are receivable within a housing member, the cover assembly being scalable with the housing assembly to provide a completely sealed unit preventing the entry of foreign matter, including water and volatile gaseous material, thereinto as well as being insulated against heat and cold, the electrical and mechanical operating elements of the fixture including a completely independent electrically operated circuit for energizing a light source, the encrgization of the circuit being controlled by a switch asembly with which is associated a pivotally movable Weighted lever arm for pivoting in response to the action or" impact forces of a predetermined magnitude on the fixture to operate the switch to energize the circuit and light source, the cover assembly further carrying outwardly accessible means for de-energizing the circuit following energization of the saine by the effect of impact forces thereon, the cover assembly still further carrying a test switch assembly forming a part of the circuit and having an operating lever outwardly accessible of the cover assembly to provide means for testing proper func- Y tioning of the circuit independently of the impact operated switch assembly thereof.

Still a further object taken in conjunction with the foregoing is the provision of a new and improved emergency lighting fixture of the type described wherein an improved form of battery holding means is provided to prevent sparking between the terminals of the battery and the electrical connectors for attachment thereto during the connecting of the battery in the circuit.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section of the emergency lighting fixture of the present invention illustrating the same in its completely assembled and mounted condition, this view being taken generally along line 1-1 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 2 is another vertical section ofthe emergency lighting fixture taken at right angles to that of Fig. l as illustrated by the line 2-2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan View of the fixture;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view in partial section of' the impact switch assembly forming a part of the fixture; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating the operation of certain parts of the impact switch assembly.

In Figs. 1-3 a lighting fixture 10 is illustrated as being formed from a cylindrical housing 11 which is closed at the top and opened at the bottom. As particularly shown in Figs. l and 2, the housing 11 is received through an aperture 12 in a ceiling panel 13 such as is found in a vehicle of any known type as, for example, aircraft. The bottom opening of the housing 11 is defined by a circumferentially continuous, radially outwardly directed flange portion 14 which along its outer periphery is provided with an integral upwardly directed flange 15 in edge abutting engagement with the bottom surface of the marginal portion of the ceiling 13 defining the aperture 12. Suitable attaching means (not shown) are utilized in fixlng the housing ll to the ceiling 13 and such attaching means may be in the form of screws or rivets passed through the flange i4 in an upwardly direction into the material of the ceiling 13.

The inner vertical side surface of the housing 11 is provided with a continuous band of insulation 16 having received therethrough at one point a ground stud assembly 17 of known type adapted for connection to suitable ground wiring to prevent the accumulation of an electrical charge in the housing 11. Attached to the bottom flange 14 of the housing 1l is a removable cover assembly generally designated by the numeral 18. This cover assembly has mounted on the inner or top surface thereof a number of mechanically and electrically operated elements which form a part of a completely independent and self-sustaining electrically operating circuit for the operation of a light source in the event of an emergency occurring during the operation of the vehicle which results in the evelopment of impact forces of a predetermined magnitude which are transmitted throughout the vehicle and to the fixture lll. For purposes of description and explanation of the operation of the fixture 10, its use in connection with aircraft will be specifically referred to although it should be understood that by so doing it is not intended to limit the use of the fixture of the present invention to this extent.

Still referring to Figs. l-3, the cover assembly 18 as illustrated is of cylindrical outline being formed from a cover plate 20 having a generally flat central portion with its outer periphery defined by an upwardly turned, circumferentially continuous flange 21 which abuts the bottom surface of the ceiling 13 just outwardly of the flange 15 of the housing 11. The marginal portion of the plate 20 just inwardly of its flange 21 is held in spaced relation from the bottom or outer surface of the flange 14 rof the housing 11 by a resilient, circumferentially continuous gasket 22 held in a compressed state by fastening means such as screws 23 extending through the plate 2t) and being threadedly received in screw housings 24 carried by the ange 14 of the housing 11. As particularly shown in Fig. 3, a number of plate attaching screw assemblies 23 are used in circumferentially spaced relation to removably tix the cover assembly 18 to the housing 11.V

Offset from the center of the plate 20 is a lens opening 26 having received therethrough the concave thickened portion of a light condensing lens 27. The lens Z7 is cylindrical and is preferably formed from suitable plastic material to prevent shattering during the use of the fixture. The lens 27 is provided with a circumferential marginal flange portion 2S which is received within a generally conically shaped light source housing 29 mounted on the top surface of the plate 2i?. rl`he iiared marginal edge of the light source housing 29 is provided with a circumferentially continuous, outwardly directed flange portion 30 having formed integral at the Outer periphery thereof, a downwardly turned continuous iiange 31. The ange 31 extends downwardly over the outer edge of the fiange 28 of the lens 27 and the free edge of the same as well as the bottom surface of the flange 2S is in compressing engagement with a sealing gasket 32. Suitable fastening means, such as screw 33, extend through the flanges 36 and .33 as well as the gasket 32 into attachment with the plate 2i? to hold the light source housing 29 and lens 27 in sealed relation therewith.

The top portion of the light source housing 29 suitably carries a known type of light source 34 held in sealed relation therewith by a pair of threadedly received collars and having electrically attached thereto a lead 35 which forms a part of the electrical circuit of the fixture 10. The inner surface ofthe light source housing 29 is reiective to direct the light rays downwardly through the lens 27 upon energization of the circuit of the fixture 10.

The lead 35 extends to a terminal of a dry cell battery v 37, the position of which is illustrated in Figs. l and 3 .in broken lines. The battery 37 is supported by the cover assembly 18 by an inverted, generally U-shaped bracket 38 having one of its downwardly depending legs attached to the top surface of the plate 2i) by a fastening means 39 extending therethrough. The attachment of the bracket 38 is particularly shown in Fig. 2 and it will be noted therein that the other downwardly depending leg is supported by another bracket dii of generally inverted U-shape which, in turn, is suitably attached to the top surface of the plate Ztl. The bracket il not only provides a support for a portion of the bracket 38 but further supports a known form of toggle switch 41 having a downwardly directed operating lever 42 which extends through an opening 43 in the plate and which is accessible from the bottom of the fixture iti. The switch 41 is a test switch suitably connected in the circuit of the fixture and the use of the same will subsequently be described. In order to seal off the'opening 43 in the plate 24J, a resilient cup-shaped housing 44 formed from any suitable rubber or rubber-like resilient material is received through the opening 43 and is provided with a circumferentially continuous flange portion 45 which is clamped against the top surface of the plate 29 surrounding the opening 43 by a centrally apertured cylindrical clamping bracket 46 suitably riveted to the plate 2t?.

Referring again to the mounting of the battery 37, the cross member of the bracket 38receives the same in resting .engagement and the top portions of each of the legs of the bracket 3S are provided with upwardly directed battery holding flanges d8. Each iiange is preferably formed from non-metallic or insulated material, such as a suitable plastic, to prevent sparking between the terminals of the battery and the electrical leads of the circuit when interconnection between the same is brought about during mounting and complete assembling nected to the plate Ztl for grounding purposes.

of the xture 10. It will be noted that the battery retaining strips or flanges 48 are associated with the terminal carrying top surface and the bottom surface of the battery 37. The sides of the battery are held by a resilientV metallic, U-shaped clip 49 which grips the battery and holds the same against displacement within the housing 11. The clip 49 is suitably attached to the top cross member of the bracket 38.

The remaining terminal of the battery 37 is connected through a lead 51, partially shown in Fig. l, to an impact switch assembly generally designated by the numeral 52. The switch assembly 52 includes a known type of switch 53 which is mounted in inclined relation to the vertical and horizontal relative to the top surface of the plate 2t). The mounting for the switch 52 generally includes a U-shaped bracket 54 which is formed integral with and extends upwardly from a bracket mounting 55 suitably attached by rivets 56 to the top surface of the plate as particularly shown in Fig. 2. The switch 53 has a side plate 57 attached thereto which is provided with an outwardly directed eye formation 58 to which is pivotally attached a downwardly inclined lever arm 59. As shown in Fig. 2, the pivotal attachment of the lever arm 59 to the eye portion 58 is brought about by a pin 60 being provided with a bearing collar 61 intermediate the lever arm 59 and the eye portion 5S. The bearing collar 61 provides for free pivotal movement of the lever arm 59 relative to the switch 53. i

Spaced downwardly from the pivotal attachment of the iever arm 59 is a radially directed integral flange portion 62 which is in abutment with an end 63 ot' a known form of switch arm forming a part of the switch 53 and extending through opposite side walls of the housing of the same with its opposite end 64 exposed on the opposite side thereof. As previously described, the switch S3 is of known type and for purposes of simplih cation it will readily be appreciated that the interior of the housing of the switch 53 is provided Vwith spaced contacts between which moves the switch arm to open or close the electrical circuit'connected thereto. The switch arm in effect reciprocates from a position wherein its end 63 completely protrudes outwardly of the switch 53 and its other end 64 is substantially Hush with the wall of the housing associated with the same. ln this position the switch and circuit in which it is connected is open and the light source 34 is inoperative. Upon forcing of the end 63 of the switch arm toward the switch 53 resulting in the end 64 protruding a substantial distance from the opposite Vside of the switch 53, the contacts contained within the switch 53 are interconnected and the circuit is closed for a purpose to be described.

The bottom portion of the lever arm 59 is provided with a weight 66 suitably, attached thereto which func tions to urge the arm 59 about its pivotal attachment toward the switch 53. Due to this function of the weight 65 resulting from the inclined position of the switch assembly 52, the ange 62 is in abutment with the protruding end 63 of the switch arm and the latter holds the lever arm 59 in spaced relation to the switch'53. This arrangement which is .particularly shown in Fig l constitutes the position of rest of the lever arm 59 and the resulting relative positions of the various elements described results in inactivation of the circuit inciuding the light source 34 and power source 37.

The switch 53 is provided with a lead connecting element 67 at the top thereof which has attached thereto the 1read 51 and the bottom of the switch housing is similarly provided with a lead attaching element 63 which has attached thereto a lead 69 (see Fig. l) which in turn is suitably grounded to the plate '23. The test switch 41 is electrically connected to the switch asscmbiy 32 at its top connecting ange 67 and is also suitably con- While the electrical circuit described is not completeiyvillustrated, it is believed that lof the fixture purpose.

The test switch 41 is provided to allow periodic testing of the circuit of the fixture 10 to determine if the same and the elements forming a part thereof are capable of proper functioning. To utilize the test switch 41, it is necessary merely to exert a suitable horizontally directed pressure to the resilient cover 44 outwardly of the plate 20 to an extent that the operating lever 42 is moved to its on position and the switch 41 is operated to energize the circuit and light source 34. An oppositely directed pressure is then applied to return the operating lever 42 of the switch 41 to its off position. The switch 41 is arranged in the circuit of the fixture 10 so as to operate independently of the switch assembly 52 and to allow energization ofthe light source 34 without the necessity'of energizing the circuit through the switch assembly 52. In this manner a constant check is afforded to make sure at all times that the emergency lighting xture 10 is in proper operative condition.

The main function of the fixture 10, as previously described, is to become automatically energized upon the transmission of impact forces to the various parts thereof. With the use of the fixture 10 in an aircraft for the purpose of providing emergency lighting which is automatically available with the crashing of the aircraft, the irnpact of the aircraft striking an object or the ground will be sufiicient'to transmit impact forces to the fixture 1i) and cause the lever arm 59 to pivot about its pin 60 away from the switch 53 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1. By the provision of the weight 66, the pivotal movement of the lever arm 59 away from the switch 53 will soon be arrested and counterclockwise rotation or pivoting will follow with the arm 59 moving back toward the switch 53. The added weight of the arm 59 caused by the provision of the weight 66 provides added momentum to the same upon its return movement toward the switch 53 and the fiange 62 strikes the end 63 of the switch arm with a sufficient force to move the same within the switch 53 adequately to interconnect the electrical contacts carried therein. Thus the switch 53 is operated to energize the circuit of the fixture It? and the position of the switch arm thereof is illustrated in Fig. 2f when the same is moved into circuit energizing position.

It will be noted that the opposite end 64 of the switch arm protrudes substantially from the opposite side face of the switch S3` and into contact with a reset lever 71 suitably carried by a portion of the mounting bracket 55. The reset lever 71 is provided with a substantially vertically extending portion J72 formed integral with an inclined portion i3 which extends upwardly beyond a pivot point defined by spaced ears 74 forming a part of the bracket 5S and to which the reset lever 71 is pivotally attached by a pin orv other suitable fastening means 75 extending through aligned holes in the lever 71 and ears 74. A leaf spring 76 is riveted at its upper end to a portion lof the mounting bracket 55 and the lower end of the same is in abutment with a flanged portion 77 of the reset lever 71 below its point of pivotal attachment. The flanged portieri 77 extends the full length of the reset lever 71 and the top portion of the same is adapted for engagement with the end 64 of the switch arm of the switch S3.

The bottom vertical portion '72 of the reset lever 71 extends through a suitable opening 7S in the cover plate 2t) so as to .allow the lever 71 to be outwardly accessible of the fixture 10. The bottom portion of the lever 71 is enclosed by a cup-shaped resilient cover 79 of rubberlike material which, similarly as the cover 44, is provided with a circumferentially continuous flange portion tif) 'held against the top surface of the plate 2@ by a cylindrical attaching bracket housing g1. Thus the opening 78 in the plate 2f) is completely sealed interiorly of the'xture 10, t

the description of the functioning to be described is sufficient for this Withv the operation of the switch 53 by impact movement of the lever arm 59, the circuit of the fixture 10 is energized and the light source 34 operates to cast a concentrated beam of light directed downwardly from the plate 20 through the lens 27. The light source 34 will continue to operate either for the life of the battery 37 or till the reset lever 71 is operated as shown in Fig. 5. Upon the application of a generally horizontal force in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 5 against the resilient cover 79 and the bottom portion 72 of the reset lever 71, the latter is caused to pivot about its pin connection 75 with the top portion 73 thereof moving toward the switch 53. The fiange 77 in contact with the protruding end 64 of the switch arm of the switch 53 forces the switch arm to move toward the left as viewed in Fig. 5 and the contacts interiorly of the switch 53 are disconnected. The switch arm is mo-ved to an extent that the end 63 thereof prortrudes a substantial distance outwardly ofthe top inclined side surface of the switch 53 into engagement with the iiange 62 of the switch arm 59 to an extent that the switch arm 59 is pivoted outwardly away from the switch 53 into its initial position of rest as shown in Figs. l and S. The circuit of the fixture 10 is thus deenergized and the inertia switch 53 is reset for subsequent energization of the circuit upon the transmission of impact forces thereto. Upon resetting of the switch '53, the leaf spring 76 causes the reset lever 71 to return to its original position as viewed in Fig. 4.

The lever arm 59 and weight 66 of the switch assembly 52 are calibrated as to length and mass respectively to operate the switch 53 at a predetermined magnitude of impact force transmitted to the fixture 10. For air-v raft use, the switch assembly 52 can be calibrated, for

example, to operate in response to a force exceeding three times the force of gravity. The fixture 10 is designed primarily for forward and downward motion impact but it is believed obvious that the elements of the fixture can readily be arranged for operation in response to any directional impact force. The fixture is a completely sealed and insulated unit thus preventing the entry of water or infiammable gases into the housing 11 particularly by reason of the provision of the gaskets 22 and 32 as well as the resilient covers 44 and 79. This is of particular importance when used with aircraft as, in the event of an accident, it is essential that the ignition of combustible atmospheres by the electrical current of the fixture 10 does not occur.

As previously described, special provisions are made in the fixture 10 for connecting the battery 37 during complete assemblyl and installation of the fixture 10 in an aircraft without accompanying sparking which may ignite a combustible atmosphere caused by vaporized fuel within'the interior of the aircraft. The battery retaining fianges 48'being non-conductive prevent sparking during the connection of the battery in the fixture circuit. lStill further, the provision of the insulation 16 within the housing 11 prevents spariing between the `housing 11 and the circuit carried internally thereof.

For ease of assembly and maintenance, it is of particular importance to note that all of the electrical and mechanical elements of the fixture 10 are carried by the cover assembly 1S and it is necessary merely to withdraw the screws 23 to completely remove all operating parts from the interior of the housing 11.

yWhile the functioning of the xture 10 has been described in connection with impact forces resulting from the crashing of aircraft carrying the fixture, it should be noted that the fixture 10 can be utilized as a warning lightin connection with dislocation or loosening of cargo carried by the aircraft. For example, in the event that during a storm the aircraft is forced into a sharp dive or other severe operational action and the leveling off from the dive or fall of the aircraft causes exceptional strain on the cargo lading straps or yother lading devices, the fixture 10 may be arranged to sensitively operby the energization of the fixture l@ that an immediate check of the cargo lading straps or other holding devicesv is necessary in order to prevent dangerous cargo shifting or other operational damage.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims. i

I claim: v

l. An emergency lighting fixture including a light source which is circuit connected to a power supply, and a switch assembly forming apart of said circuit between said iight source and power supply to control operation of said light source, said'switch assembly including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts between which a switch arm is Vmovable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite ends positioned for alternate fixed protrusion outwardly of said housing, one of said ends in its fixed protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm being mounted for pivoting relative to said switch housing and switch arm thereof that upon the transmission of impact forces to said fixture said lever arm pivots away from said switch housing Vand subsequently returns toward the same by reason of its weighted end to force said switch arm into fixed circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other ofthe ends of said switch arm into fixed protruding position, and switch arm reset means operatively engaged withsaid other end to force said switch arrnV into fixed circuit breaking position with said first end protruding from said housing in position fixingrelation with said lever arm.

2. An emergency lighting fixture including a light source which is circuit connected to a power supply, and a switch assembly forming a part of said circuit between said light source and power supply to control operation of said light source, said switch assembly including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts between which a switch arm is movable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite ends positioned for alternate fixedprotrusion outwardly of said housing, one of said ends in its fixed protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said Vswitch' housing, said lever arm being mounted for pivoting relative to said switch housing and'iswitch arm thereof that upon the transmission of impact forces to said fixture said lever arm pivots away from said switch housing and subsequently returns toward thesame by reason of its weighted end to force said switch arm into fixed circuit closing relation with said contacts and movel the other of the ends of said switch arm into fixed protruding position, switch arm reset means operatively engaged with said other end to force said switch arm into xed circuit breaking position with said first end protruding from said housing in position fixing relation with said lever arm, and a testswitch connected in said circuit to operate said light source independently of said switch assembly.

3. An emergency lighting fixture including a light sourceV which is circuit connected to a power supply,i and a switch assembly forming a part of said circuitbetween said light source and power supply to control 'operation of said light source, said switch assembly being carried by a supporting surface forming a part of said fixtureV ininclined relation to the horizontal axis thereof and including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts betweenr which a switch arm is movable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm havingV opposite ends posi-.-

tion being in position fixing relation with a lever arm Vpivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to the upper-host inclined side surface of said switchy housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm being mounted for pivoting relative to said switch housing and switch arm thereof that upon the transmission of impact forces to said-'fixture said lever armgpivots away from said switch housing and subsequently returns toward the same by reason of its weighted end to forcelsaid switch arm into fixed circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other of the ends of saidl switch arm into fixed protruding position, and switch arm vreset means carried by said fixture and voperatively engaged with said other end to force Vsaid switch arm into-fixed circuit breaking position with said first end protruding fromsaid housing in position fixingv relation with said' lever arm.

4. An emergency lighting Vfixture including a light source which is circuit connected to a power supply, and a switch assembly forming a part of said circuit between said light source-and power supply to control operation of said light source, said switch assembly being carried by a supporting surface forming a part of saidfixture in inclinedV relation to the horizontal axis thereof and 'including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts bethereof that upon the transmission of impactV forces toV said xture said lever arm pivots away from said switch housing and subsequently Vreturns toward the same by reason of its weightedend to force said switch arm into fixed circuit closing'relation with said contacts and :nove

vthe other of the ends of said switch arm into fixed protruding position, switch arm reset means-carried by said fixture and operatively engaged with said other end to force said switch arm into fixed circuit breaking Vposition with said first end protruding frornisaid housing in position fixing relation with said lever arm, and a test switch carried by said fixture and connected in said circuit -to operate said light source independently of said switch assembly.

, 5.,An `emergency lighting fixture including a cover assembly and a housing closed at the ltop-andopened at the bottom, said cover assembly including a generally fiat bottom plate having an opening therethrough with which a light source isY aligned while being mounted to thertop surface of said plate, a `battery holder mounted on the top surface of said plate having a detachable .battery carried thereby electrically connected to said light source to define a circuihand a switch assembly mounted ori the. top surface of said plate forming a part of said circuit, said switch assembly including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts `between which a switch arm is movable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite endsadapted for alternate protrusion outwardly of said housing, one of said ends in its protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotallymounted near the top thereof relative to said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm upon the transmission of impact forces to said fixture pivoting away from said switch housing and subsequentlyreturning toward the same by reason of its weighted end to force said switch armV intol circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other of the ends of said switch arm into protruding position, and switch arm reset means in the form of a lever pivotally carried by the top surface of said plate and operatively associated with said other end to force said switch arm into circuit breaking position with said rst end protruding from said housing in position fixing relation with said lever arm, said plate being removably attached to the bottom of said housing with the elements carried by the top surface of said plate received in said housing.

6. An emergency lighting fixture including a cover assembly and a housing closed at the top and opened at the bottom, said cover assembly including a generally fiat bottom plate having an opening therethrough with which a light source is aligned while being mounted to the top surface of said plate, a battery holder mounted on the top surface of said plate having a detachable battery carried thereby electrically-connected to said light source to define a circuit, a switch assembly mounted on the top surface of said plate forming a part of said circuit, said switch assembly being carried in inclined relation to the top surface of said plate and to the horizontal and including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts between which a switch arm is movable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite ends adapted for alternate protrusion outwardiy of said housing, one of said ends in its protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to the uppermost inclined side surface of said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm upon the transmission of impact forces to said fixture pivoting away from said switch housing and subsequently returning toward the same by reason of its weighted end to force said switch arm into circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other of the ends of said switch arm into protruding position, switch arm reset means in the form of a lever pivotally carried by the top surface of said plate and operatively associated with said other end to force said switch arm into circuit breaking position with said first end protruding from said housing in position fixing relation with said lever arm, said reset lever being vertically arranged with its pivotal attachment intermediate the ends thereof, the upper end portion being engageable with said other end of said switch arm and the lower end portion extending through an opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, and a toggle operated test switch forming a part of said circuit and being mounted on the top surface of said plate with the operating lever thereof extending downwardly through anv opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, said test switch being adapted to operate said light source independently of said switch assembly, said plate being removably attached to the bottom of said housing with the elements carried by the top surface of said plate received in said housing.

7. An emergency lighting fixture including a cover assembly of generally cylindrical shape and a cylindrical housing closed at the top and opened at the bottom, said cover assembly including a generally fiat bottom plate of cylindrical outline having an opening therethrough in which a lens is mounted, a light source housing formed from a downwardly directed conical reflector carrying a light source internally thereof mounted on the top surface of said plate aligned with said lens, a battery holder mounted on the top surface of said plate having a detachable battery carried thereby electrically connected to said light source to-define a circuit, said battery holder being in the form of an inverted U-shaped bracket the top surface of which has said battery in contact therewith, a plurality of battery retaining clips attached to said bracket and extending upwardly therefrom, said clips being paired to provide spaced side and end battery holding means between which said battery is received, said side clips being formed from resilient metallic material and said end clips being formed from non-conducting material to prevent sparking during mounting of said battery, a switch assembly mounted on the top surface of said plate forming a part of said circuit, said switch assembly being carried in inclined relation to the top surface of said plate and to the horizontal and including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts between which a switch arm is movable to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite ends adapted for alternate protrusion outwardly of said housing, one of said ends in its protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to the uppermost inclined side surface of said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm upon transmission of impact forces to said fixture pivoting away from said switch housing and subsequently returning toward the same by reason of its weighted end to force said switch arm into circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other of the ends of said switch arm into protruding position, switch arm reset means in the form of a lever pivotally carried by the top surface of said plate and operatively associated with said other end to force said switch arm into circuit breaking position with said first end protruding from said housing in position fixing relation with said lever arm, said reset lever being vertically arranged with its pivotal attachment intermediate the ends thereof, the upper end portion being engageable with said other end of said switch arm and the lower end portion extending through an opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, said reset lever being resiliently biased out of engagement with said other end of said switch arm, and a toggle operated test switch forming a part of said circuit and being mounted on the top surface of said plate with the operating lever thereof extending downwardly through an opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, said test switch being adapted to operate said light source independently of said switch assembly, said plate being removably attached to the bottom of said housing with the elements carried by the top surface of said plate received in said housing.

8. An emergency lighting fixture including a cover assembly of generally cylindrical shape and a cylindrical housing closed at the top and opened at the bottom, said cover assembly including a generally fiat bottom plate of cylindrical outline having an opening therethrough in which a lens is mounted, a light source housing formed from a downwardly directed conical reflector carrying a light source internally thereof mounted on the top surface of said plate aligned with'said lens, a battery holder mounted on the top surface of said plate having a detachable battery carried thereby electrically connected to said light source to define a circuit, a switch assembly mounted on the top surface of said plate forming a part of said circuit, said switch assembly being carried in inclined relation to the top surface of said plate and to the horizontal and including a switch housing carrying spaced contacts between which a switch arm is moved both to close and break said circuit, said switch arm having opposite ends adapted for alternate protrusion outwardly of said housing, one of said ends in its protruding position being in position fixing relation with a lever arm pivotally mounted near the top thereof relative to the uppermost inclined side surface of said switch housing and weighted at the bottom thereof in spaced relation to said switch housing, said lever arm upon the transmission of impact forces to said fixture pivoting away from said switch housing and subsequently returning toward the same by reason of its weighted end to force said switch arm into circuit closing relation with said contacts and move the other of the ends of said switch arm into protruding position, switch arm reset G ai means in the form of a lever pivotally carried by the top surface of said plate and operatively associated with said other end to force said switch arm into circuit breaking position with said rst end protruding from said housing in position ixing relation with said lever arm, said reset lever being vertically arranged with its pivotal attachment intermediate the ends thereof, the upper end portion being engageable with said other end of said switch arm and the lower end portion extending through an opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, said-reset lever being resiliently biased out of engagement with said other end of said switch arm, and a toggle operated test switch forming a part of said circuit and being mounted on the top surface of said plate with the operating lever thereof extend-Y ing downwardly through an opening in said plate for accessibility thereto from below said plate, said test switch being adapted to operate said light source independently of said switch assembly, said plate being removably attached to the bottom of said housing with the elements carried by the top surface of said plate received in said housing, the outer marginal portion of the top surface of said plate carrying a continuous gasket in'sealing relation with the bottom edge of said housing, the aceessible ends of the levers of said reset means and test switch being completely enclosed in sealed relation by resilient cup-shaped covers carried by the bottom surface of said plate.

References Cited in the tileV of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Wilde Mar. 14, 1953 

